The Los Angeles Lakers’ legacy is etched in basketball history, from the pioneering dominance of George Mikan to the electric artistry of Kobe Bryant. Across generations, their stars have redefined what it means to be great.
The purple and gold have been home to a parade of transcendent talents, blending skill and swagger in ways that captivated fans worldwide. Each era brought fresh legends who pushed the boundaries of the game.
Dominance in the NBA is rarely sustained, yet the Lakers’ dynasty has endured through changing times and styles. Behind the banners hang stories of leadership, resilience and moments that transformed the sport forever.
LeBron James
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 27, 2023. (Source: Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Since arriving in Los Angeles in 2018, LeBron James has blended the weight of expectation with a relentless drive to deliver, guiding the Lakers to the 2020 NBA title in the surreal Orlando bubble and surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the league’s all-time leading scorer with a signature fadeaway that cemented his place in franchise lore.
Even at 40, he continues to redefine longevity—owning 20 All-Star selections, the inaugural NBA Cup MVP in 2023, and the unprecedented milestone of 40,000 points, 11,000 rebounds, and 11,000 assists—serving as both a bridge to the legends before him and a living force shaping the Lakers’ present and future.
Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson (NBA)
Magic Johnson was a pivotal point guard and key playmaker during the “Showtime” era, contributing significantly to the Los Angeles Lakers’ success. Over the course of his illustrious career with the Lakers, Magic Johnson secured an impressive five NBA championships and earned three MVP awards.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (NBA)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the all-time leading scorer in NBA history, made an indelible mark as a dominant center for the Lakers. With an impressive career that spanned several decades, Abdul-Jabbar secured five NBA championships and collected six MVP awards during his tenure with the Lakers.
Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant (Getty Images)
Kobe Bryant, one of the most iconic figures in Lakers history, left an enduring legacy as a prolific scorer and tenacious competitor. Bryant’s contributions were instrumental in securing five NBA championships with the Lakers, and he is remembered for his remarkable 81-point game, the second-highest point total in NBA history.
Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal (CNN)
Shaquille O’Neal, a dominant force in the paint, played a key role alongside Kobe Bryant in the Lakers’ three consecutive NBA championships. Known for his powerful dunks and physical presence, O’Neal’s impact was evident as he helped the Lakers clinch three titles during his time with the team.
Jerry West
Jerry West (Lakers Nation)
Jerry West, often referred to as “The Logo,” was a legendary shooting guard for the Lakers. Despite facing challenges in winning championships during his playing career, West’s influence extended beyond the court, and he later played a crucial role in building championship-winning teams as an executive.
Elgin Baylor
Elgin Baylor (NBA)
Elgin Baylor, a versatile forward with scoring abilities ahead of his time, contributed significantly to the Lakers. However, despite numerous individual accolades, Baylor retired without winning an NBA championship during his tenure with the team.
James Worthy
James Worthy (NBA)
James Worthy, known as “Big Game James,” proved to be a key player in the Lakers’ championship runs in the 1980s. Worthy’s impact was particularly notable when he earned NBA Finals MVP honors in 1988, solidifying his status as a Lakers legend.
Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain (NBA)
Wilt Chamberlain, a dominant center with numerous records, secured an NBA championship with the Lakers. Chamberlain’s legacy includes scoring 100 points in a single game, a feat that remains unparalleled in NBA history.
Pau Gasol
Pau Gasol (Getty Images)
Pau Gasol, a skilled power forward/center, played a crucial role in the Lakers’ back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010. Gasol’s versatility and contributions on both ends of the court made him a key figure in the Lakers’ success during his time with the team.
Byron Scott
Byron Scott (Getty Images)
Byron Scott, an accomplished shooting guard, contributed significantly to the Lakers’ success during the “Showtime” era. Scott’s scoring prowess and defensive skills were key components of the Lakers’ three NBA championships in the 1980s.
Jamaal Wilkes
Jamaal Wilkes (NBA)
Jamaal Wilkes, a smooth-scoring forward, played a pivotal role in the Lakers’ championship teams in the 1980s. Known for his offensive capabilities, Wilkes was a key contributor to the Lakers’ success during his time with the team.
Michael Cooper
Michael Cooper (Lakers Nation)
Michael Cooper, a defensive stalwart, was a crucial member of the Lakers’ “Showtime” era. Cooper’s defensive prowess and versatility on the court contributed to the Lakers’ five NBA championships during his tenure with the team.
Gail Goodrich
Gail Goodrich (NBA)
Gail Goodrich, a skilled guard, played a key role in the Lakers’ success, securing one NBA championship during his time with the team. Goodrich’s scoring ability and contributions in crucial moments were integral to the Lakers’ success.
Norm Nixon
Norm Nixon
Norm Nixon, a point guard, played a pivotal role in the Lakers’ success in the early 1980s. Nixon’s skills on the court contributed to the Lakers’ two NBA championships during his time with the team.
George Mikan
George Mikan (NBA)
George Mikan, a dominant center and one of the first superstars of professional basketball, led the Lakers to five championships in the early years of the NBA. Mikan’s impact on the game extended beyond his playing career, influencing the evolution of basketball.
Metta World Peace
Metta World Peace (Getty Images)
Metta World Peace, known for his defensive prowess and toughness, was a key member of the Lakers’ 2010 NBA championship team. World Peace’s contributions on the defensive end were instrumental in the Lakers’ success during his time with the team.
Robert Horry
Robert Horry (ESPN)
Robert Horry, nicknamed “Big Shot Rob” for his clutch playoff performances, won three NBA championships with the Lakers. Horry’s ability to deliver in crucial moments solidified his status as a key contributor to the Lakers’ success.
Eddie Jones
Eddie Jones (Getty Images)
Eddie Jones, a talented shooting guard, did not secure an NBA championship with the Lakers. Despite his individual achievements, including being a two-time NBA All-Star, Jones did not experience championship success during his time with the team.
Lamar Odom
Lamar Odom (ESPN)
Lamar Odom, a versatile forward, played a key role in the Lakers’ championship years, securing two NBA championships with the team. Odom’s versatility and contributions on both ends of the court made him a valuable asset to the Lakers.
Rick Fox
Rick Fox (Getty Images)
Rick Fox, a skilled small forward, was part of the Lakers’ championship three-peat. Fox’s contributions on both offense and defense played a significant role in the Lakers’ success during his time with the team.
A.C. Green
A.C. Green (ESPN)
A.C. Green, a durable power forward, was part of the Lakers’ championship teams, securing three NBA championships during his time with the team. Green’s durability and consistency on the court contributed to the Lakers’ success.
Nick Van Exel
Nick Van Exel (ESPN)
Nick Van Exel, a dynamic point guard, did not secure an NBA championship with the Lakers. Despite his scoring and passing abilities, Van Exel did not experience championship success during his time with the team.
Lou Williams
Lou Williams (Getty Images)
Lou Williams, an instant-scoring sixth man, did not secure an NBA championship with the Lakers. Williams’ scoring off the bench was notable, although he did not experience championship success during his time with the team.
Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis (Getty Images)
Anthony Davis, a versatile power forward/center, won an NBA championship with the Lakers in 2020. Davis played a pivotal role in the Lakers’ success, contributing to their championship run in his first season with the team.
